BLOND, buff and brave – former X Factor contestant Rhydian Roberts has all the credentials to take on the title role in cult musical the Rocky Horror Show.

And wearing nothing but a pair of leopard print y-fronts, he will need them as he prepares to step out in front of a notoriously raucous audience who know every word to the raunchy script.

“Rocky wears bugger all,” 29-year-old Rhydian told the Gazette. “I wouldn’t ordinarily wear leopard print y-fronts on stage or at one of my shows but it is part of the role and I wouldn’t have got the job if I wouldn’t wear them. “It is part of playing a character and you just go with it.”

Rhydian will be playing the part at a very special time in the Rocky Horror Show’s 40-year history as it celebrates the milestone anniversary with a brand new production and set.

The new tour, also starring West End regular Oliver Thornton as Frank n’ Furter, Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett as Janet, ITV’s Superstar winner Ben Forster as Brad and Darling Buds of May actor Philip Franks as the narrator, starts in Brighton on December 17 and arrives at the Bristol Hippodrome on January 14.

“It is a new set and completely new staging,” said Welsh-born Rhydian. “A couple of numbers have been reworked but you are still going to get your classic Timewarp and the audience participation people expect.

“I am really looking forward to it, my character doesn’t get too much heckling but I wouldn’t want to play Frank n’ Furter.”

The double platinum-selling artist, who was known for his extravagant performances on the 2007 series of X Factor including Pink’s Get the Party Started in a fur coat and sequin suit and a full rendition of Phantom of the Opera, said Rocky was one show he had always wanted to be part of.

“I have always wanted to do it,” he said. “It is such an iconic show and I won’t be able to play these parts when I am older so I want to do them now.

“It is one big romp, there’s a great atmosphere and it’s a chance to get a little risqué.”

Rhydian, a classically-trained singer who has previously starred in Grease and We Will Rock You, regularly performs his own concerts across the UK but said there was still plenty of theatre he wanted to do.

He said the current series of X Factor had better talent than the American version and tipped his own favourite James Arthur to win followed by Jahmene in second place.

The Rocky Horror Show is at the Bristol Hippodrome from January 14 to 19. Call 0844 871 7652 for tickets.